Aumônière
The medieval purse worn at the belt to hold alms and coins.
Aumônière comes from French aumône, alms. The bag was worn at the belt by both men and women and held coins to be given to the poor.
In the 13th and 14th centuries the aumônière became a status object with rich decoration. It is a forerunner of the handbag.
Materials: Silk, velvet or leather, embroidery in gold and silver thread
Manufacture: Sewn and embroidered by hand and fastened to a belt with ribbons or chains.
The small rectangular bag with a drawstring.
The embroidery in gold thread and pearls.
The ribbons or chains that fasten it to the belt.